Proposed development on Cooee site scuttled

By
SEAN FORD

BURNIE aldermen have scuttled a proposed aged care development amid public opposition.

BURNIE aldermen have scuttled a proposed aged care development amid public opposition.

The Burnie City Council last night voted to tell Centacare Tasmania it did not agree to a proposed affordable housing development on council land at Cooee.

Several aldermen said the housing density proposed was too much for the area, but Mayor Steve Kons said the decision was simply based on the views of Cooee residents, not on density.

The land is part of the former Les Clark cricket and football oval site, much of which was turned into a lawn bowls facility several years ago.

The aldermen did not support an alternative recommendation from staff to move forward with the idea.

Alderman Ron Blake said he was disappointed by the decision, but said further planning had been needed and there were too many units proposed for the area.

"I really think it's sad we're not pursuing this."

He said he feared such a development would go to another population centre instead.

The council also considered developing the land in 2010, but backed off amid opposition from Cooee locals.

"The Burnie West Coastal Strategy recommended that the Cooee area be primarily a residential area and that council encourage infill in the area," a council staff report for last night's meeting said.

"It also recommended that council encourage community purposes around the Les Clark Reserve.

"It is clear that while most Cooee residents support the concept of affordable housing development in Burnie, for a number of reasons the residents did not support such a development at the Les Clark site."

The council voted to get on with planning for a major swimming pool redevelopment.

The project must be ready to go to tender by June 24, due to a condition on federal funding.